Involuntary Leave of Absence Policy

I. General Policy Statement

This policy explains when Syracuse University may place a student on an involuntary leave status. Syracuse University is committed to supporting the health and well-being of all members of its campus community. In certain circumstances, students may experience medical or mental health situations that significantly limit their ability to function successfully and safely in the Syracuse University community. In these situations, Syracuse University has both a voluntary leave process and an involuntary leave process.

II. Reason for Policy/Purpose

In certain limited situations, students may be suffering from acute medical or mental health challenges, the extent of which they may not be able to recognize because of the condition(s). These students may create a significant health or safety risk to themselves, fellow students, and/or the broader Syracuse University community. These can be intense situations for all involved, and this policy is designed to provide a general operating procedure that can be individualized to each situation and each student’s condition.
This policy is intended to be empathetic to students in need, consistent to the extent allowed by the individualized nature of disability law, and otherwise compliant with state and federal non-discrimination laws.

III. Policy

The University may place a student on an involuntary leave of absence when a student’s medical or mental health challenges create a significant risk to the student’s health or safety, the health or safety of others in the Syracuse University community, and/or when the student’s behavior severely disrupts Syracuse University’s programs, benefits, or activities and cannot be resolved by an appropriate accommodation or modification. Involuntary leave is a student-health related decision. Consistent with academic policy, the effective date of the leave will dictate systematically what happens to a student’s academic when the leave becomes effective. If the leave is initiated prior to the Academic/Financial deadline, all courses are removed from the transcript. If it is after the Academic/Financial Deadline the student will receive WD’s in all of their classes.”

Syracuse University considers all such involuntary leaves on an individualized basis and considers both the challenges experienced by the student and the impact of these challenges on the broader Syracuse University community. The Dean of Students (or designee), in consultation with appropriate medical and safety personnel, has the authority to place a student on an involuntary leave of absence under this policy.

The process by which Syracuse University will implement this policy is found here. Syracuse University reserves the right to revise the process for the individual student at issue and on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the policy is implemented appropriately, sensitively, and non-discriminately.

IV. To Whom Does This Policy Apply

Select all that apply:
☒ Students ☐ Faculty ☐ Staff ☐ Visitors/General Public

V. Appendices (as applicable)

A. Procedures

1. Involuntary Leave of Absence: The Dean of Students (or their designee) in consultation with others, determines whether to require a student to take an involuntary leave of absence to address medical or mental health related issues. A team of campus professionals will review any concerns related to a student and make a recommendation to the Dean of Students (or designee) regarding an involuntary leave, and any case-specific requirements. This team shall be comprised of staff from Barnes Center Health and Counseling, Student Outreach and Support, and Community Standards. Other campus professionals may be consulted as needed in making a recommendation to the Dean of Students (or designee).
2. In making this decision, the Dean of Students will typically direct an individualized assessment be conducted. A student would only be placed on involuntary leave if, upon conclusion of the individualized assessment, it is found that (i) there is a significant risk to the student’s health or safety, the health or safety of others in the Syracuse University community, or the student’s behavior severely disrupts Syracuse University’s environment, and (ii) no reasonable accommodations can adequately reduce that risk or disruption. This assessment need not be overly broad in certain exceptional circumstances when the risk is clear and apparent. Determinations should be made based on a factual analysis of the situation at issue, and not on mere speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations. In making this determination, the Dean of Students (or designee) may take the following steps, or additional steps not stated, as appropriate and individualized to the student and the circumstances.
   1. The Dean of Students (or designee) will consult with Barnes medical and counseling staff, or other appropriate staff to conduct a medical or clinical assessment that is related to the situation at issue. In certain situations, the Dean of Students (or designee) may also retain outside evaluators who have experience and expertise in the medical or mental health issue in question. Syracuse University will include a member of the Center for Disability Resources or consult with such staff to determine, at the end of the assessment, if any accommodations or modifications would address the challenges at issue.
   2. There is no single format for assessing an involuntary leave issue, as it should be individualized to the situation. The Dean of Students (or designee), with appropriate input from relevant areas and professionals, will determine the appropriate approach based on the situation. Any formal clinical assessments may be utilized and considered in tandem with other materials collected by Syracuse University or provided by the student. While on the involuntary leave, a student is not permitted on any Syracuse University owned leased or maintained property unless otherwise specifically noted in writing from the Dean of Students (or designee). ..
   3. Students are expected to cooperate with the involuntary leave assessment process to the extent their medical condition permits them to do so. A student who can cooperate, but refuses, may also be placed on an involuntary leave of absence in appropriate circumstances.
   4. The Dean of Students (or designee) will ultimately decide whether the student should be placed on an involuntary leave of absence, as well as whether any form of accommodation or modification would address the challenges at issue. If no reasonable accommodation or modification exists, the Dean of Students (or designee) will place the student on an involuntary leave of absence.
   5. This process can be altered to the extent necessary to address the situation at issue in an appropriate manner. If altered, Syracuse will seek to provide appropriate notice of the individualized process taken to make the determination of whether involuntary leave is appropriate in the circumstances.
3. Notice to Student: If the Dean of Students (or designee) determines involuntary leave is appropriate, the student will be notified in writing, which will include the basis for the decision and the anticipated length of the leave, if appropriate. In certain circumstances, the University may be unaware of the extent of the medical or mental health issues and may require additional assessment. In such cases, Syracuse University can share the anticipated length of the leave once it becomes clear. If the condition justifying the leave is a disabling condition, the student is not required to resolve the condition before being eligible to return. Instead, the focus will be on whether and when the student can return to campus without repeating the challenges that necessitated the leave and with appropriate accommodations or safety planning in place. The Dean of Students (or designee) will also communicate any conditions the student must satisfy before a return, and the process to initiate a return.
4. Appeal Process: A student required to take a leave of absence will have five (5) business days from the date of notification to appeal the decision in writing to The Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer (or their designee). The Appeal materials will be considered, as well as any written determinations or assessments conducted by the Dean of Students or consulting professionals. The Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer (or designee) may, but is not required to, speak with any individual who provided information to the Dean of Students (or designee) related to the involuntary leave. During the appeal process, students must comply with the leave of absence requirements, including any interim leaves. The Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer (or designee) will respond to any appeal within fifteen (15) business days. The Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer (or designee) may uphold the involuntary leave, modify its conditions, or lift the leave entirely. The decision of the Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer is final and there is no further appeal available.
5. Duration of Leave: The leave is intended to allow students to seek appropriate care and the duration of the leave will vary based on individual circumstances. Students who intend to one day return to Syracuse University are expected to provide authorization for Syracuse University staff to speak with their caregivers, as appropriate. It is the student’s responsibility to provide Syracuse University executed forms (typically from their caregiver) allowing for such communication. Failure to provide appropriate authorization to allow Syracuse University to communicate with caregivers may extend the length of the leave.
6. Coursework, Residence, and Activities While on Leave: Students on involuntary leave may not be present on any University-owned or managed property, including all residential, recreational, and athletic spaces, attend classes, submit additional coursework, or take part in any other programs, benefits, or activities operated or controlled by Syracuse University as of the date of their leave, including remote/virtual programs and activities, unless the Dean of Students (or designee), in writing, expressly states otherwise.
7. Finances: Depending on the timing of the leave, Syracuse University will discuss with the student any tuition or other payments that may be postponed pending their leave. If a student wishes to discuss this issue, this would be an example of something that the Dean of Students could expressly allow, and the student could speak with appropriate Syracuse University financial aid or other staff. In no circumstances should such communications become aggressive or threatening, and the Dean of Students is empowered to revoke or revise any such authorization if that is a concern. Students may retain their Syracuse University email and remote privileges, but such privileges may also be revoked if used to threaten or harass members of the Syracuse community.
8. Disciplinary Violations: In relevant circumstances, involuntary leave does not preclude students from being charged with disciplinary violations under the Student Conduct Code. The disciplinary charges may arise from the behavior that necessitated the leave or may be entirely unrelated. If a student is placed on involuntary leave and separately charged with a violation of the Student Conduct Code or other University policy, Syracuse University will inform the student how and when the disciplinary violation will be adjudicated.
9. Health Coverage: Students may retain any health coverage purchased or provided through Syracuse University, i.e., the Syracuse University Student Health Insurance Plan, provided the student fills out all applicable forms within thirty (30) days of going on leave. This period may be extended or delegated in appropriate circumstances, including but not limited to situations in which a student is hospitalized. Students with insurance outside of Syracuse University should consult with their providers for all coverage issues. The Student Health Insurance Plan expires annually on July 31. Students placed on involuntary leave may continue coverage under the plan until that date. If a student remains on leave beyond July 31 of the academic year they were placed on leave, their coverage under the Student Health Insurance Plan will end.
10. Return from Involuntary Leave: The process by which students may return from involuntary return is designed to allow students to demonstrate that they are able to function at Syracuse University without continuing the safety risks or disruptions that justified the initial leave. Absent extenuating circumstances, Syracuse University will focus on the justifications for the initial leave when determining the appropriate and individualized process for a student to return. In making this determination, Syracuse University may take, but is not bound to, the following steps as appropriate and individualized to the student and the circumstances.
11. Timing of Return: At the time of the leave or upon receipt of appropriate medical or mental health evaluations, Syracuse University will determine the anticipated minimum length of the leave. Students may request a return at the earliest opportunity provided by Syracuse University, provided all of the necessary steps are completed; alternatively, a student may remain on leave until they feel ready to return.
12. Disciplinary Violations: Students may be required to resolve any disciplinary matters before being allowed to return. If this is a requirement, Syracuse University will seek to share this information with the student as early as possible after the leave period begins.
13. Deadline for Requesting Reinstatement: Students should typically petition to return from leave at least one (1) semester before they hope to return. As outlined in this policy, return requirements will vary based on the individualized circumstances of the student, so returning students should factor in the time it may take for Syracuse University to speak with appropriate caregivers and make a holistic decision before a return is approved.
14. Materials to be Submitted: Syracuse University retains the right to ask for any of the following to be completed before a student’s return:
    1. A list of all caregivers seen related to the reasons for the initial leave
    2. Assessments and other communications from specific caregivers, including but not limited to the caregiver’s credentials, the nature of their work with the student (including the duration or frequency of the care provided), any clinical assessments conducted, any observations made regarding the student’s medical or mental health issues (including both progress or setbacks), and the caregiver’s opinion about whether the student can safely return to Syracuse University, any limitations that are of concern, and whether any accommodations would be necessary to facilitate their return. Syracuse University may require the caregiver to attest to this opinion in certain circumstances.
    3. Per the readmission from Medical Leave of Absence process, the student’s licensed mental health care provider, on office letterhead, must provide a treatment summary that indicates that the student is prepared to resume full-time study at Syracuse University. Additionally, the student will be required to complete a readmission interview with a Barnes Center Counseling therapist about the course of treatment and continued care recommendations.
    4. A personal statement from the student. In certain situations, Syracuse University will inform the student what they are required to address in their statement and the anticipated length.
15. Meeting: Once the materials requested are received, the Dean of Students (or designee) will convene an appropriate assessment group. The Dean of Students (or designee) will include on this team a member of the Barnes Center Health staff, a member of the Barnes Center Counseling staff, Student Outreach and Support, Community Standards, and if appropriate, the Center for Disability Resources to provide guidance on any appropriate accommodations that may accompany a return to the Syracuse University community. The group will review submitted materials and retain the right to speak with any caregivers. Such communications with caregivers or others do not need to include the entire group, but the group should receive summaries of the information learned through such communications so that it can be incorporated into their decision-making.
16. Individual Assessment of Request: Following the group assessment of the student’s request to return, the Dean of Students (or designee) will determine whether the student can return to Syracuse University without causing a health or safety risk for themselves or the community. The Dean of Students (or designee) will share their decision in writing with the student.
    1. If a student is cleared for return, they will be allowed to engage with Student Outreach and Support who will assist the student with appropriate offices and academic services staff to plan their return to campus.
    2. If a student is not cleared for return, the Dean of Students (or designee) will provide a written explanation to help the student understand the reasons behind their decision and will recommend steps the student might take to be more successful in future requests.
17. Appeal: Students who are not cleared to return may appeal the decision to the Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer. The appeal must be made in writing no later than seven (7) calendar days from the date the student is notified of the initial decision on their return. Extensions of this time frame will only be provided if made in writing and based on good cause.

B. Definitions
TBD
C. Forms
TBD
D. Other Related Policies and Documents
TBD
E. Frequently Asked Questions
TBD